The 16 Days of Activism campaign, held from the 25 of November to the 10th of December, aimed to raise awareness about digital violence against women and girls and promote a culture of respect, equality, and safety online. In Zhoa, a team of dedicated activists from Sustainable Women Organization worked with traditional and religious leaders, youth, adolescents, girls, and young women to create a safe space that would amplify the voices of survivors and advocates against digital violence.
The campaign began with a meeting with traditional and religious leaders, where they were sensitized on the impact of digital violence on women and girls. The leaders pledged their support and committed to working together to create a safer online environment while sharing local realities of digital violence like sexual messages and texting. Youth were engaged through interactive sessions, where they shared their experiences and ideas on how to prevent digital violence. The youth were enthusiastic and committed to being agents of change.
Adolescent girls and young women were not left out in Zhoa, they participated in discussion, where they learned about digital safety, online harassment, and how to support survivors. The girls and young women were empowered to become advocates against digital violence and where and how to report incidents. To crown up the event in Zhoa, the Helping Hands dance group performed traditional dance and songs that conveyed powerful messages about digital violence and the light that has been brought to the people of Zhoa through the celebration of 16 days of Activism. The performances were a huge success, awakening hope in survivors and inspiring others to join the session.
The activism continued in Government High School Benakuma with awareness raising where students and teachers learned about digital violence and its impact. The students pledged to promote online and offline safety, protecting girls and respecting people’s choices. The team also visited Benakuma market, where they engaged with traders and community members on digital violence. The community was receptive and committed to working together to prevent digital violence. A focus group discussion was held with the daughters of Benakuma women’s group, where they shared their experiences and ideas on how to prevent digital violence. The women were empowered to become advocates and leaders in their community.
“Activities marking the 16 days of activism celebration saw progress made towards promoting MenEngage strategic actions of gender equality and women’s rights and a call to action for continued efforts to end digital violence. The 16 Days of Activism campaign in Zhoa and Benakuma was a huge success, with the community coming together to raise awareness and promote a culture of respect and safety online. The campaign will continue to inspire and empower communities to end digital violence against women and girls. This year’s innovative interventions in the hard-to-reach communities of Benakuma and Zhoa was implemented by Sustainable Women’s Organisation, granted by UNFPA Cameroon with funds from GIZ and BMZ,” Honorine Tebi, MenEgage Cameroon member explained.
Other members of MenEngage Cameroon, Community Centre for Integrated Development, Alliance for Community Initiative, Rural and Urban Grassroots Women Business Association and the entire network joined the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the family for the official launch of the campaign in different communities. The country network remains committed to ending violence against women and girls by using Gender Transformative Approach in programming, community awareness, education and sensitisation, digital campaigns and capacity building.